Activists stage last-ditch protest

Anti-nuclear protesters have gathered in Westminster in a last-minute demonstration against the controversial replacement of the Trident missile system.

CND was expecting thousands to gather opposite Parliament as MPs voted on ordering a new generation of weapons.

The demonstration followed a day of anti-Trident protests to vent anger against the Prime Minister and the Government.

There were a number of arrests outside the Scottish Parliament and at Westminster where activists chained themselves to a mock missile, disrupting traffic in the heart of London.

Four protesters were arrested outside the Scottish Parliament, including a man who chained himself to a canopy.

Demonstrators also gathered outside the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde, including local student Kerri Vaslot, 21, who said: "The current threat to peace is from individuals, suicide bombers and terrorists, not other states. There is no justification for these weapons."

Two activists from Greenpeace ended a crane-top protest next to the Houses of Parliament and were arrested by police after spending more than 36 hours on top of the 200ft structure. They unfurled a huge banner claiming that the Prime Minister loved weapons of mass destruction.

Earlier, a number of celebrities joined anti-nuclear MPs at a reception in Westminster to rally opposition to Trident ahead of the Commons' vote.

Human rights campaigner Bianca Jagger, said that if Trident was ever fired it would be "the end of life as we know it". Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood handed out leaflets to MPs and passers-by in Westminster, while singer Annie Lennox said her faith in politicians had been shaken by the Government's support for US President George Bush and the war in Iraq.

More than 120 MPs have backed an amendment calling for more time before replacing Trident, including over 60 Labour MPs. But the Government is sure to win the Commons vote because of support from the Conservatives.